Harry Reid: Were Making Progress on Highway Bill

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Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said today he remains hopeful a deal can be reached on highway legislation by Friday and avoid the need for another short-term extension.

“We’re making progress on the highway bill. I mean, really, I feel good about that,” Reid said, noting his discussions with Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio), Senate Environment and Public Works Chairman Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman John Mica (R-Fla.).

“Whether we get it done remains to be seen. But the House in an overwhelming vote [Wednesday], totally bipartisan ... instructed the conferees to come back with a bill by tomorrow,” Reid added.

Reid’s upbeat assessment is the clearest indication that the marathon negotiations between Boxer and Mica — which have been closely monitored by both Reid and Boehner — could be close to bearing fruit.

Mica and Boxer released a vaguely-worded joint statement this afternoon indicating they are making progress, but would not meet the end of the week deadline set by their leaders

“The conferees have moved forward toward a bipartisan, bicameral agreement on a highway reauthorization bill. Both House and Senate conferees will continue to work with a goal of completing a package by next week,” they said.